Bones thought to be human have been found on a houseboat that was devastated by a fire.

Police launched an investigation after the boat was set on fire while moored on the canal in Wolvercote in Oxford at around 11pm on Friday.

Detectives believe the boat could have been torched some nine hours earlier but are yet to establish the cause.

The severity of the fire has so far hampered investigations.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Bird of Thames Valley Police, leading the investigation, said: "We have been working closely with the fire service to establish the full circumstances surrounding how the fire happened and now believe that the boat could have been alight at around 2am on Friday morning.

Image Caption:The boat caught fire on a canal in Wolvercote

"The boat has been badly burnt by the fire and so it has been difficult for us to carry out our investigation.

"We have, however, found some bones on the boat which we believe to be human and are working hard to identify these further.

"I urge anyone who might have seen what happened or has information to help us with our inquiries and has not yet spoken to a police officer to come forward."

:: Anyone with information should contact police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.